Running and jumping: toddler development

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When will my toddler be able to run and jump?

Toddlers are full of energy and there's no better way to expend this than with a bit of running and jumping around.

At 18 months old, your toddler may be able to get up a bit of speed when he's toddling. But running will take all his concentration. He'll only be able to run in a straight line, and won't be able to run around obstacles that get in his way (Sheridan 2008: 28).

By two years old, your toddler may have got the hang of running around things in his path (Sheridan 2008: 32). And by two and a half years old, your toddler may be able to run well (Sheridan 2008: 36), so you'll need to keep an eye on him. He may demonstrate his new-found skill by running away from you!

Your toddler may find jumping a greater challenge than running. Running is a case of speeding up. However, jumping requires a bit more coordination.

This will come with time and his increasing physical confidence. When you're a toddler, getting both feet to leave the ground at once is harder than you think.

How can I encourage my toddler to run and jump?

Visit your local park and encourage your toddler to run around. Help him by making up games you can play together. For example, you could play at being different animals. See if your toddler can run like a dog, pounce like a cat, and slither like a snake.

Or go with a friend to the park and encourage your toddler to run back and forth between you. If he gets a big hug and a swing through the air at each end, he'll move more quickly!

If it's not too windy, pick a large grassy area and blow bubbles for your toddler to chase and pop. Tag and ring a-ring o' roses are also great games that encourage your toddler to run around with you.

To encourage your toddler to jump, let him bounce on a bed. You can make it into a game of five monkeys jumping on the bed. Or hold both his hands while he jumps around on a low trampoline. Putting some pillows on the floor and letting him jump on to them from something low (the sofa or a footstool) can also help.

For older toddlers, a big, sturdy ball with a handle he can sit on will allow him to get that lovely airborne feeling. He'll also be able to practise pushing off the ground with both feet.

Toddlers love being active. The more opportunities you give your toddler to run around, the happier he will be (DH 2009: 75). Running and jumping are great ways to improve your toddler's movement and coordination and to keep his heart and bones healthy (DH 2011).

Last reviewed: October 2013

References

DH. 2011. Physical activity guidelines for early years (under 5s) - for children who are capable of walking. www.nhs.uk [pdf file, accessed December 2012]

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